After
three years of effort, the push to protect Muschopauge Brook
in Rutland and Holden, Massachusetts was finally successful
in 2007 with help from the Forest Legacy Program. Surrounded
on three sides by protected land, the Muschopauge Brook tract
is a key linkage for over 1,000 acres of forest and open space
protection in the greater Central Massachusetts area. The
Muschopauge Brook is a major tributary of the Quinapoxet Reservoir
and a part of the larger Nashua River Watershed. The reservoir
is vitally important as a source of drinking water and serves
the drinking water needs of over
200,000 people. Development along the Muschopauge Brook would
affect the quality of water negatively for the cities of Worcester,
Rutland, Holden, and even Boston. These forest lands sustain
diverse wildlife with 10 species of warblers as well as many
red-eyed vireos, grouse, beavers, deer and moose.

Rutland is one of the fastest-growing towns
in the state of Massachusetts, with a 27% increase in population
over the last decade. The dramatic development pressure on
Muschopauge Brook is very apparent. A local developer already
had preliminary plans to build 40 single-family homes in a
subdivision on the property. Losing this parcel of land to
development would have been a major setback to years of effort
by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation
and Worcester Department of Public Works Water Operations.
Both organizations have been working hard to protect watershed
areas that are crucial for water supplies. Development would
also threaten the movement of wildlife because the land of
the Muschopauge Brooke project serves as a corridor between
protected lands.

A Conservation Restriction now protects 95
acres and the fee acquisition of 106 acres with stream frontage.
Many different organizations at the private, state and federal
level partnered together to raise nearly $2 million. Their
investment will yield a landscape that supports wildlife and
recreation, and protects
a critical public water supply source. With the completion
of the MA Central Rail Trail less than half a mile away from
Muschopauge Brook, nature and fitness enthusiasts alike can
take the trail and visit the brook. With everyone’s
support, the Muschopauge Brook is now guaranteed to be permanently
protected, primarily for watershed protection purposes.

In addition to the efforts of organizations,
individuals were rallying for the protection of Muschopauge
Brook. Support letters from 20 individuals including U.S.
Senators John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy, and U.S Congressman
James P. McGovern were sent to the Forest Service. The partnership
of individuals and organizations like the Trust for Public
Land, the White Oak Land Conservation Society, the City of
Worcester Department of Public Works Water Operation, and
the Forest Legacy Program is the reason why the Muschopauge
Brook project was such a success. The water quality of surrounding
cities is now guaranteed to be safe and recreational opportunities
can be easily accessed by the public. The
Forest Legacy Program works to identify other projects like
the Muschopauge Brook where there is outstanding partnership-driven
conservation work. The Forest Legacy Program can then bring
in additional expertise and funds to help propel the project
forward and meet a successful completion.